'If educated people don't ...': Civil services aspirant in Rajasthan wins praise for returning Rs 5 lakh dowry

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A groom in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer returned over Rs 5 lakh offered as dowry by the bride's family during his wedding, earning widespread appreciation from relatives and villagers.

Paramveer Rathore, a civil services aspirant, married Nikita Bhati in Karaliya village on February 14. As part of customary dowry offering, his in-laws presented him with a decorated plate filled with cash worth Rs 5,51,000 during the "tilak" ceremony.

"I have studied a lot, and I felt that if educated people don't take a stand, then who will? We must set an example," Rathore said, as quoted by the NDTV. Before deciding to return the dowry, the 30-year-old groom spoke to his father and other family members.

Ishwar Singh, a farmer, echoed his son Paramveer Rathore's sentiments. "Women are excelling in every field today. We accepted only a coconut and a one-rupee coin as part of the rituals. The dowry system must end," he said.

After the ceremony, the couple returned to Pali, where Bhati, a postgraduate student, soon appeared for her exams. The bride's family and villagers have lauded the groom's decision.

"The baraat from Pali has set an example. By refusing Rs 5,51,000, they have sent a strong message against feudal customs," said Bhawani Singh Bhati, a relative of the bride.

Rathore said that societal change must begin with individuals, adding, "Ending dowry won't happen overnight, but we have to start somewhere.".

The act has been widely praised on social media, and many families in the region are now reconsidering their stance on dowry.